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Strange Electrical Phenomena

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by specialk, Apr 15, 2016.

  1. specialk

    specialk Active Member

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    Just recently I've noticed that above 5500rpm the charging voltage drops from 14.3volts down to ~12 and the lights in my dash (which have been converted to LED's) begin to flicker and light up. From 2000rpm - 5500rpm the charging voltage is correct. Any idea what this may be?
     
    specialk, Apr 15, 2016
    #1
  2. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Have you inspected the alternator brushes? They may be bouncing on the rotor, causing intermittant contact and a corresponding voltage drop.
    Clean the rotor traces while you have the cover off.
     
    k-moe, Apr 15, 2016
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  3. specialk

    specialk Active Member

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    I removed the cover breifly today to look and noticed that one of the brushes was much shorter than the other. Is this normal or should they both be the same length? Thanks!
     
    specialk, Apr 15, 2016
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  4. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    in a perfect world maybe. the brushes run on 2 different diameters of the copper rings so with each rpm 1 brush travels a greater distance than the other
     
    XJ550H, Apr 15, 2016
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  5. specialk

    specialk Active Member

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    Thats true, I'll give the rotor traces a clean tomorrow and report back. Should I use a fine grit sandpaper or is another method preferred?
     
    specialk, Apr 15, 2016
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  6. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    use an eraser the sand paper will leave grit behind and wear your new brushes down. clean off with some electrical cleaner after the eraser
     
    XJ550H, Apr 15, 2016
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  7. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    There are wear markers on the brushes. The minimum length is 10mm.
     
    k-moe, Apr 15, 2016
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  8. specialk

    specialk Active Member

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    Awesome thanks guys! I'll report back tomorrow
     
    specialk, Apr 15, 2016
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  9. specialk

    specialk Active Member

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    So quick update, cleaned the rotor traces with an eraser and it definitely helped however one of the alternator brushes is very short so I'll order new brushes this week.
     
    specialk, Apr 16, 2016
    #9
    k-moe likes this.

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